Zeppelin-Staaken R.VII
Zeppelin-Werke Staaken · Germany · first flew 1917 · bomber
The Zeppelin-Staaken R.VII was a German Riesenflugzeug (giant aircraft) strategic bomber of the First World War, one of a series of enormous biplanes operated by the Rfa (Riesenflugzeug-Abteilungen) units for long-range bombing of England and other strategic targets. Its 42.2 m biplane wingspan was among the largest of any WWI aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.1 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI German giant biplane bomber with 42.2 m wingspan
- Four engines mounted in tractor-pusher pairs in nacelles between the wings
- Massive open nose and dorsal gun positions on a multi-crew bomber
The four engines mounted in paired tractor-pusher nacelles between the biplane wings, combined with the immense 42.2 m span and multi-position gun stations, distinguish the Zeppelin-Staaken family from all other WWI aircraft.
Specifications
- The Zeppelin-Staaken R.VII has a length of 22.1 m (73 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 42.2 m (138 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).
- Typical crew: 7–9.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Zeppelin-Werke Staaken R-types were the most successful of Germany's WWI giant aircraft, with the R.VI series conducting the majority of strategic bombing raids against Britain from 1917. The R.VII was a progressive development within this series. The Zeppelin-Staaken R types bombed London and other British cities in a campaign that caused significant civilian alarm despite relatively modest physical damage.
Variants
The Zeppelin-Staaken R-series comprised the R.IV through R.XV, each with progressive improvements in engine power and payload capacity; the R.VI was the most widely produced.
Where you'll see it
The R.VII served with the German Luftstreitkräfte's Rfa units on the Western Front and in raids on Britain from 1917; several survived the war and were scrapped under Armistice conditions.
Related aircraft
- Zeppelin Staaken R.V
- Zeppelin-Staaken R.XIV
- Zeppelin-Staaken R.XV
- Airco DH.9
- Albatros C.VIII
- Avro 529
- Breguet 14 B.2
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